The History of RPI
RPI Graphics was established in 1969
In 1969, RPI Graphic Data Solutions was established as a lithography trade services company in Cincinnati, Ohio by our founder William Rellar, Sr. In the 1970’s RPI was one of the early adopters of color separations and scanning technologies.
This investment increased the size of the business and led to an expansion of the facilities in 1984. Soon to follow was the introduction of digital services and establishing an image library. This provided a secure, centralized location for storing, organizing, managing, and distributing images that increased efficiencies and turn around times.
The end of the 80’s brought increased capabilities through the addition of offset printing presses. At the close of the decade our founder, William Rellar, Sr, decided to retire and pass ownership of RPI on to the second generation.
The Next Generation
With the second generation in leadership, the 1990’s and early 2000’s brought a boom of innovation and expanded the capabilities of RPI introducing new products and services to the marketplace.
1992 – Added Creative Services expertise
1998 – Web Access to Image Library, Online Inventory
2001 – Introduction of Web2Print Technology, Print on-Demand
2003 – Expansion into top-tier Digital Press technologies
2004 – Expanded Facilities to Increase Kit Packing and Fulfillment
2006 – Installation of Large Format Press for Prototyping
2008 – Installation of 10-Color Perfecting Press
A Leader in the Printing Industry
As the 21st century unfolds, RPI seeks to continue to invest, diversify and perfect their operations to be a leader in the industry. As the third generation of the family entered the company, in 2009 RPI became a majority women-owned and operated business. In 2011, RPI was certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) as a WOSB Women-Owned Small Business for the federal set-aside program. RPI continues to invest and expand their knowledge base with the newest technology and equipment to bring printing and packaging innovations to their customers.
2012 – Secure Printing Certification for printed promotional materials and coupons
2018 – G7 Certification; Expansion in Digital Printing Department
2019 – Celebrating 50 years in business
2021 – Expansion in Digital Printing Department equipment
2022 – Achieved a Gold Ecovadis rating for Sustainability initiatives.